The 10 most affordable college towns in America

Median housing price: $133,200

Estimated cost of necessities: $63,888

The small city of Carrollton, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, offers serene landscapes, but also the perks of a college town — gallery shows, sports events, and performances — thanks to The University of West Georgia. If you need a taste of big city life every once in a while, Atlanta is a quick 45-minute drive away.

Median housing price: $128,500

Estimated cost of necessities: $63,621

Carbondale's economy relies on Southern Illinois University, a doctoral research university, and the university health system. What started as a state teacher-training school is now a national research institution offering over 200 undergraduate programs.

Median housing price: $120,950

Estimated cost of necessities: $77,698

SUNY-Cortland, a public university in suburban New York, can be found in this college town. The institution happens to be Cortland's leading employer, followed by Cortland Regional Medical Center and Pall Trinity Micro Corporation.

Median housing price: $117,900

Estimated cost of necessities: $63,471

Kalamazoo is home to both Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo College, which boasts Stowe Stadium, a massive outdoor tennis facility with stadium seating for 1,500. The complex been the site of numerous national-level tournaments, including the NCAA Division III men's and women's National Championship. The city also offers two major healthcare facilities and many of the cultural attractions that you would find in larger metro areas.

Median housing price: $114,000

Estimated cost of necessities: $61,725

Along the southern edge of Big Rapids is Ferris State University, which provides an abundance of job opportunities and drives much of the city's economic success. The institution offers two- and four-year degrees from eight different academic colleges.

Median housing price: $109,900

Estimated cost of necessities: $57,904

In Kirksville, about 200 miles northwest of St. Louis, you'll find the nationally ranked public liberal arts and sciences institution, Truman State University. Historic Kirksville is also surrounded by the 3,215-acre Thousand Hills State Park, which has a marina, beach, and endless trails.

Median housing price: $100,900

Estimated cost of necessities: $63,621

The rural community of Macomb is closely integrated with Western Illinois University, ranked one of the best universities in the midwest. WIU was founded in 1899 and hosts just under 10,000 undergraduates.

Median housing price: $81,500

Estimated cost of necessities: $63,621

This small, tight-knit community of just over 20,000 residents enjoys access to Eastern Illinois University, a state school with about 9,000 undergraduates. The historic metropolitan boasts the Lincoln Log Cabin, home of Thomas and Sarah Bush Lincoln, father and stepmother President Lincoln.

Median housing price: $77,900

Estimated cost of necessities: $60,352

The most affordable college town is found in Muncie, a community of 70,000 people in east central Indiana and home to Ball State University, which boasts a top-ranked entrepreneurship program. While Muncie offers a nice break from the daily noise of large metro areas, bigger cities such Indianapolis, Chicago, and St. Louis are all highly accessible.